A WOMAN who abused and intimidated neighbours was given a five-year anti-social behaviour order yesterday.

Abergavenny magistrates imposed the order on Claire McMullin, aged 26, formerly of Gloucester Court, Caerleon, and now living at St Vincent Road, Maindee, Newport.

Proceedings took place in her absence. The court heard that neighbours were subjected to shouting, screaming, fighting and arguing; all-night parties, loud music, verbal abuse and swearing.

Christian Jowett, prosecuting on behalf of Newport city council, said the offences occurred in Gloucester Court between February 2004 and January 2005.

McMullin was served with an interim anti-social behaviour order in March of this year.

He said: "There was loud music playing, doors and windows were slammed and neighbours were subjected to verbal abuse."

Elizabeth Morgan, a housing officer in Newport, told the court that neighbours had kept nuisance diaries as a result of the complaints received by the council.

"Residents were very upset and angry," she said. "They were frustrated it had gone on so long. They found it very traumatic." Ms Morgan said she spoke to neighbours but they were too afraid to give evidence in court for fear of repercussions by McMullin.

She said two neighbours rang her daily to complain of problems caused by McMullin and a further five or six would report nuisances on a regular basis. Ms Morgan said she had also felt intimated by McMullin and later refused to visit her address alone.

Mr Jowett concluded that McMullin had been warned by police, community service wardens and the housing association. She had verbally abused them all and ignored the warnings.

Chairman of the magistrates Mrs Judith Anthony imposed the five-year anti-social behaviour order prohibiting McMullin from harassing or distressing neighbours within 100 metres of her residence.

She was also ordered not to enter Gloucester Court or hang around the Londis shop and not to use foul or obscene language.